CorkRules - Episodes | Sorellina Sorellina

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About this Episode

Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier, and Robert Tas review the wine list at Sorellina. This Italian-inspired restaurant is invitingly warm and chic, and the wine list offers an excellent representation of wines from both the old world and new world. Their wines-by-the-glass program offers a broad range of wines, including nearly 40 wines to taste from-sparkling, red, white, and dessert styles, and they provide a stand-out selection of Italian wines.

Wines reviewed include:

2020 Cantina del Taburno Falanghina, Italy
2019 Luigi Giordano ‘Cavanna’ Barbaresco, Piedmont
2019 Ridge ‘Three Valleys’ Zinfandel from Sonoma County

Transcript: Sorellina

Sorelina

RT: Hello and welcome to CorkRules!

A podcast where, in each episode, we will review a wine list from your favorite restaurants. I’m your host Robert Tas along with Michaela Quinlan, certified sommelier.

Hello Michaela, it’s great to be back together for another episode.

MQ: Hi Robert!

RT: Before we jump in, let’s talk about CorkRules.

We created CorkRules to demystify wine lists because we know from experience, that sometimes when we get that list handed to us, well… it can be intimidating, and even a little daunting.

Our aim is to help prepare you to navigate that list, find those hidden gems, or value wines or that special bottle that will take your dining experience over the top.

RT: So, sit back and listen as we review your favorite wine list.

RT: Today we are talking about Sorellina. If you are visiting Boston’s Copley Square, then you must stop by Sorellina to experience classic Italian with a modern twist.

Michaela, I can’t wait to hear what do you think of their wine list?

MQ: Sorellina takes great pride in their wines by the glass, extensive Italian-focused wine list, Somm’s Select glass pour options, and knowledgeable staff. We have a number of new favorites and classics to explore with you today.

RT: That’s really great, as you looked the list did you see anything jump out at you?

MQ: Let’s begin in Campania. One of my many favorite Italian white grapes in Falanghina. Do consider the 2020 Cantina del Taburno Falanghina. This medium bodied white wine is perfect to pair with shellfish, tuna, and salmon. The bright acidity, minerality, along with aromas and flavors of lime zest, green apple, and pear make this wine an excellent selection to kick off your dining experience.

RT: That is for sure unique. Did you find any others that caught your eye right away?

MQ: We have to head over to the Piedmont for a classic Nebbiolo. The 2019 Luigi Giordano ‘Cavanna’ Barbaresco is a standout with its bright acidity, tart red cherries, smoke, round tannins, and classic herbal notes on the finish. This Nebbiolo is your go to selection to pair with pasta and richly sauced proteins.

RT: So Michaela, their list seems to have lots of range but was there anything that you would say is a “must-try”?

MQ: To shift away from classic Italian wines for a moment, I had to stop when I spotted a favorite. The 2018 Ken Wright Cellars ‘Savoya Vineyard’ from the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Ken Wright Cellars has been producing single vineyard Pinot Noir for over 40 years from 13 different vineyard sites. This particular Pinot Noir is from the Savoya Vineyard and showcases ripe blackberries, black cherries, cranberries, with herbs, spice, and a slightly smoky finish. This Pinot Noir will pair will with herbed and smoked dishes.

RT: These are some great calls. So, you know I’m getting thirsty and will need to order a bottle with my dinner, where would you guide us?

MQ: Another favorite, can’t miss producer caught my eye. The 2019 Ridge ‘Three Valleys’ Zinfandel from Sonoma County, CA. Since their start in 1988, Ridge has been producing knockout, highly rated wines. The ‘Three Valleys’ represent the different vineyards where the grapes for this wine are grown, consisting of predominately Zinfandel, along with a bit of Petit Syrah, and Carignan. This medium to full bodied red features ripe red cherries, ripe raspberries, earth, spice, black pepper, soft tannins, and a long finish. Consider this Zinfandel blend to pair with richly sauced dishes and anything grilled.

RT: Ooh, Terrific. Michaela, speaking of price, sometimes people have a budget in mind. Any other great value wines you’d point us to?

MQ: Now back to Italy. How can we discuss Italian wines without mentioning Pinot Grigio? An excellent quality and value selection is the 2020 Cantina Terlan Pinot Grigio from Alto-Adige in Northern Italy. This medium-bodied white wine features ripe pear, lemon zest, melon, green apple, with bright minerality on the finish. This is an excellent aperitif, or to pair with shellfish, all at an excellent price.

RT: That sounds great. What is your other value selection?

MQ: Let’s move from Northern Italy to Southern Italy, specifically Puglia for another standout value wine. Consider the 2017 Masseria Altemura, Negroamaro. If you are looking for spice, look no further. Negroamaro is a red grape that features aromas and flavors of ripe plumb and fig, along with a bit of licorice and cocoa. Nutmeg and clove also come through thanks to the aging in French oak. Pair this red with richly sauced and herbed dishes.

RT: Now Michaela, what if I have a big client dinner or special occasion where I want to take it up a notch?

MQ: I find that Barolo is always an excellent choice to add to any celebration. Do consider the 2013 Viberti ‘Bricco delle Viole’ Reserva Barolo. The grape in Barolo wines is Nebbiolo, and the Reserva designation means that the grapes have aged a bit longer than others, resulting in aromas and flavors of dried fig, ripe strawberries, and plumb, with spice and classic licorice on the long finish. You may wish to decant this wine, as the tannins are still quite firm. A wonderful addition to any event.

RT: Michaela Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and helping us navigate Sorellina’s wine list. I can’t wait to go try them myself.

To our audience, thank you all for joining us here on CorkRules.

If you would like us to review one of your favorite restaurants, please send us email to: Info@CorkRules.Com or visit our web website where we have a request form available and we will do our best to get it in the queue as quickly as possible.

We are looking forward to being with you on another CorkRules episode soon. In the meantime, please check out our website for other episodes of your favorite restaurant wine lists.

And finally, drink what you love and please make sure you drink responsibly.

Thank you.

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